CDR William Ashley

Past COMMANDING OFFICER, USS CANBERRA (LCS 30) BLUE CREW

17 May 2023 Cmdr. Will Ashley is a native of Woodlake, Texas, and enlisted in the US Navy in 1994 as a Hull Maintenance Technician. In 2005, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography from Old Dominion University and received his commission as an Ensign through the Seaman to Admiral-21 program. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Physical Oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School.

His sea duties include; Assistant Navigator aboard USS Saipan (LHA 2), Detachment Officer in Charge, Riverine Squadron THREE (RIVRON). While assigned to RIVRON 3, he completed a combat tour to Iraq earning his Fleet Marine Force Officer designation. As a Department Head, Cmdr. Ashley served as Combat Systems Officer aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4), Operations Officer aboard USS John P Murtha (LPD 26) and Command, Control, Communications, Combat Systems, and Computers (C5) Officer aboard USS Makin Island (LHD 8).

Ashore, Ashley served as Officer Recruiter and Operations Officer at Naval Recruiting District, Houston, Texas and Amphibious Operations Planner at Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet.

His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (7), Navy Achievement Medal (3), and various unit, campaign and service awards.